Page 22 of Promise Me a Forever Texas Love

Camden studied him as if trying to gauge whether Huck could be trusted. “Yeah . . . okay. Thanks.”

Huck nodded. “Anytime. Now you better hurry. You don’t want to miss the bus.”

Camden hesitated for only a second before he turned and walked toward the bus . . . his step much lighter than it had been before.

And so was Huck’s as he headed back to his motorcycle.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Once again, Cadee found herself at Honky Tonk Heaven.

But this time, she didn’t feel anxious when she stepped inside the front door of the dancehall.

This time, she felt spitting mad.

And the man she was spitting mad at stood right in front of her . . . being mauled by a woman in a dress so short Cadee could see the lower part of her butt cheeks as she leaned into his chest and batted her Minnie Mouse fake lashes.

“Come on, honey. I’m sure no one would notice if you slipped away for a few little ol’ minutes.” Her smile was seductive. “I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Sorry, sweetheart, but I can’t leave my post.” He smiled and winked at her. “Maybe some other—” He glanced over and saw Cadee. He didn’t look the least bit surprised to see her. Almost like he’d been expecting her to show up. His smile faded. “Hey, Cadee.”

She skipped the social greeting. “I need to talk to you.”

He hesitated for only a moment before he nodded, disengaged himself from Cartoon Eyelashes, and slipped off the stool he sat on. “We can talk out back.”

“Wait a second,” the woman huffed. “You wouldn’t leave your post for me, but you’ll leave for her?”

“Yes.” He held out a hand for Cadee to precede him.

As they weaved through the crowd to the back door, people called out greetings. Even though she was hopping mad, she smiled and answered. She was a Stockton, after all, and being social and nice was expected . . . no matter how mad you were.

Jeff Mueller, who ran his family’s hardware store, caught her arm as she passed. She had dated Jeff a few years back. While no sparks had flown, they were still good friends.

“Hey, Cadee. I didn’t think I’d see you here. You want to dance?”

Before she could decline, Huck placed a hand on her waist. A possessive hand that, maddeningly, had sparks flying inside her like the Fourth of July.

“Sorry, Jeff. She’s a little busy at the moment.” He drew her toward the back door, calling to Poppy who was bartending. “I’m taking a quick break, Pops!”

Once they were outside, Cadee turned on him, trying her best not to notice how hot he looked in the black Henley with Honky Tonk Heaven printed above one hard pec. The cotton hugged his chest like a second skin and the pushed up sleeves showed off the thick ropes of muscles in his forearms.

She pulled her gaze away and focused on her anger.

“Just what the hell do you think you’re doing, Huck Hennessy?”

“Just saving you from getting your toes broken, Catydid. Jeff is the worst dancer this side of the Pecos. And why didn’t he expect to see you here? Don’t you ever go out dancing? You used to love to dance.”

“I don’t have time for dancing. And I’m not talking about Jeff. I’m talking about you altering our agreement.”

“And what agreement is that?”

She gritted her teeth. “You know damn good and well what agreement I’m talking about. You giving me your share of your inheritance so I wouldn’t contest the will.”

“And I’m still going to give it to you.”

Her temper flared. “If I give you visiting rights!”

“And why is that so surprising? After all, I am his father.”